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City Manager Names Gautreau Permanent Fire Chief

City Manager Jon Jennings announced today that he has named Keith Gautreau to serve as Fire Chief permanently. He had been serving as Interim Chief since April when former Chief Jackson retired.

“I’ve been impressed with Chief Gautreau’s management and direction of the department over these last six months and I have full confidence that he is the right one to lead the department into the future,” said City Manager Jon Jennings. “My goal in city government is to make sure that we have modern systems in place and that we are operating as efficiently as possible, and I know Chief Gautreau shares that vision and is committed to excellence in serving the people of Portland.”

Jennings continued, “I decided it was not necessary to spend taxpayer money and take up staff resources on a national search for a new fire chief given the talent we have here with Chief Gautreau. I am confident residents and visitors alike will be impressed with his abilities.”

“I want to thank the City Manager for the opportunity to continue leading the Portland Fire Department,” said Chief Gautreau. “It is an extreme honor to work with such a committed group of individuals who give back to our community each and every day. Looking forward, I’m excited to continue my work with city leadership as we seek to modernize the department and the services we provide.”

Chief Gautreau's career with the Portland Fire Department began in 1995. He moved from Firefighter to Fire Lieutenant in 2003, followed by a promotion to Fire Captain in 2008, a promotion to Deputy Fire Chief in 2014, and most recently, his promotion to Assistant Fire Chief in 2015.

For his entire 23-plus years of service, he has been a fire service educator, including being a primary instructor at the Department's Fire Academies since 2000. In 2016, he was awarded with the City’s highest award, The Robert B. Ganley Public Service Award, which is presented annually to a City employee who exemplifies the dedication, knowledge and passion for municipal public service which characterized former City Manager Robert B. Ganley's life.